When I was looking for language requirements at different jobs and postdoctoral positions (and some PhD programmes), I realised how important is to have at least one language skill certificate.
As a non-native English speaker, I took an English test (I mentioned it in a previous post), specifically IELTS– Academic version, which is needed for the visa paperwork. It was a very exhausting experience, I mean, to me it was like to take the admission test for the university. I was very nervous, I knew that I did not study properly for the exam (just a couple of weeks) and for the same reason, I did not do my best.
Now, what I regret is to have missed the opportunity to get a higher score. But, I learnt something, it makes no sense to feel nervous about those kinds of tests or certifications: you are taking it because is something good for you, something that will help you! Imagine how well it will look on your CV (I should have thought about it before the test!).
So now, I am evaluating the possibility to take another English test, but also, a certification in another language (I do not know, maybe French or Italian), because today, there are a lot of people that are polyglots, especially in Europe. Also, in a globalised world, even when English is the international language, it is always easier to establish a conversation in the mother tongue of your interlocutor… Well, well, I should first finish with one language and then try to learn another one (Jack of all trades, master of none), but what I want to say is learning languages is something important, something that will improve your skills and your opportunities in this world.
In short, it is important that you do not settle for your language knowledge, you can always improve and get extra points for your CV!
Saludos!
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